Rinse it Out

By Erma W.

Each day, we use products to benefit of our hair. Some days it’s oil. Other days it’s creams and butters. Then there are days when we rely on conditioners to perk up our hair. Conditioners, butters, creams, and oils are the more popular go-to hair helpers, but hair rinses are just as valuable to our hair. Among their many uses, hair rinses help to cleanse, soften, and strengthen the hair. They can be used on a weekly to bi-weekly basis. I’ve highlighted some heavy-hitting hair rinses below.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse: Apple cider vinegar, which has a pH of 2.9, closes the hair’s cuticle. ACV hair rinses are great for those with high porosity hair who often deal with dryness because of the moisture that escapes through the open cuticle. In addition to moisture retention along the hair shaft, closed cuticles also increase the hair’s shine factor and makes straightened styles appear sleek. Apple cider vinegar removes moderate levels of product buildup from the hair as well. To experience the advantages of apple cider vinegar, pour one tablespoon of ACV into one cup of water. Apply it to the hair after shampooing or as the final step in your wash regimen. If you want to close your cuticles, the latter step is advisable.

2. Rosemary Hair Rinse: Among the notable properties of rosemary is its ability to promote hair growth, remove dandruff, and relieve dry scalp. Rosemary sprigs (10-15), dried rosemary (4 tablespoons), or rosemary essential oil (10 drops) can be used for the rinse. To assemble the mixture, boil four cups of water and add rosemary. Allow the infusion to steep for at least 30 minutes. You can let it steep overnight if you like. After the mixture has cooled, strain the herbs and pour the liquid portion into your container of choice and let your hair enjoy after shampooing. You can follow this treatment with a rinse-out conditioner or a deep conditioning treatment.

3. Lavender Hair Rinse: Lavender is known for stress relief and relaxation. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties make it a highly suitable choice for scalp stimulation. To partake in the scalp delight, boil three cups of boiling water and add two tablespoons of dried lavender or 10 drops of lavender essential oil. After letting it steep for at least 30 minutes, strain the herbs and apply the remaining mixture (once it has cooled) to scalp and hair after shampooing or co-washing and enjoy.

4. Lemongrass Hair Rinse: Besides its amazingly clean scent, lemongrass strengthens the hair. It is a great pick for anyone with fine or thin hair. Give your hair a lemongrass hair-rinsing boost by first boiling one cup of water and adding two to three teaspoons of dried lemongrass. Let it steep for at least 30 minutes and strain out the herbs. Wait for the mixture to cool and then pour it onto your hair before a conditioning treatment. Since lemongrass is strengthening, a moderately-rich moisturizing treatment is recommended after this particular hair rinse.

The hair rinses listed above are just some of many that you can use to nourish your tresses. Do you use hair rinses in your regimen? If so, share which ones and how you use them below!